PDP crisis: Tukur blasts Lamido, Wamakko, Aliyu, others

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has taken a swipe at five northern governors for allegedly calling for his removal from office. 

 

Tukur described Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) as lacking in wisdom, caution, prudence and good counsel.

The PDP chairman’s reaction was based on reports in some national dailies that the governors had demanded his removal from office at a private meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan last weekend.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Prince Olver Okpala, on Tuesday, Tukur said the actions and unguarded utterances of the governors were capable of heightening political tension in the land.

The statement said: “The recent visit by some governors from the north to the President has raised furore, although the discussion between the President and the governors was held behind closed-doors, the media has been awash with the news of the meeting and the issues discussed.

“Media reports have it that the four governors who had earlier visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo and two former military heads of state demanded the removal of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the national chairman of the PDP.

“We do not know the veracity of this claim, suffice it to say however that, the governors have the fundamental right to meet and discuss among themselves and whomsoever they like and may also have the fundamental right to freedom of speech and to air their views on any issue of national importance.

“However, in so doing one would expect them to make comments with decorum, humility and caution. As leaders whom the general public look upon as role models, they are expected to show respect for constituted authority and the elders, which include Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who have contributed immensely to the peace, progress, development and advancement of this country.

“Much as the constitution guarantees certain fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly, there are constitutional limitations to these freedoms.

“The leaders should show wisdom, caution, prudence and good counsel in their comments on national issues as their unguarded utterances and calls can cause unnecessary political tension.”